Former New York State Trooper Faces Sentencing for Manslaughter in Tragic Crash
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for a former New York state trooper who was found guilty of manslaughter in a tragic crash that resulted in the death of an 11-year-old girl named Monica Goods. The incident occurred in 2020 when Christopher Baldner, the ex-trooper, pulled over a vehicle driven by Monica's father, Tristin Goods, for speeding over 100 mph on the New York State Thruway. A confrontation ensued during the traffic stop, leading Baldner to use pepper spray, after which Tristin Goods fled in his SUV. Baldner chased the vehicle and intentionally rammed into it twice, causing it to flip over and resulting in Monica's fatal ejection from the SUV. The victim's family is expected to deliver impact statements at the sentencing hearing. Baldner could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.